Nakhon Ratchasima will celebrate the deeds of its famous heroine Thao Suranaree with a 12-day festival beginning on March 23.

Rungthip Bookhunthod, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand office in the northeastern province, said on Monday the festival continuing through April 3 would feature traditional performances at the Thao Suranee Monument and in front of the provincial hall.

Thao Suranee, referred to affectionately as Ya Mo (Grandma Mo), was the wife of the province’s governor in the 19th century who, in his absence, saved the populace from being taken hostage by the invading king of Vientiane.

Rungthip said tourists staying at any hotel in downtown Nakhon Ratchasima during the festival would be able to redeem their hotel receipt at the TAT office for a pha khama wrapping cloth worth Bt150.